DEVIL'S WHISPER

ARE THE DEMONS REAL?

Film Review by FIORE

I am increasingly surprised by the horror films issued from the Indie market.  The latest, DEVIL’S WHISPER is a very pleasant revelation which bounces haphazardly between a psychological thriller and tale of possession.  The acting is solid, as are the SFX.  The strength of the film, however, is in the delivery of the script.  Director Adam Ripp wrote the screenplay, along with Paul Todisco and Oliver Robins.  If you enjoy horror films that entertain both the religious and scientific explanations of supernatural events, DEVIL’S WHISPER will regale you.

A young man, Alex, played by Luca Oriel, with aspirations of becoming a priest, is suddenly beset by a demon once he finds an heirloom from his grandfather.  The movie appears to be a psychological commentary masked as a horror film, as there is a dark, and sordid past between Alex and his grandfather.  Just when it appears Alex’s psychiatrist will dissipate his demon through modern scientific methods, it sprouts wings and begins a supernatural killing spree that affects his entire cache of family, friends and his priest mentor.

 

Starring with Oriel are:  Tessie Santiago; Rick Ravanello; Alison Fernandez; Jasper Polish; Coy Steward; Justin Tinucci; and Benjamin A. Hoyt.  While not A-listers, the cast performs credibly and helps the story flow.

The SFX, especially the demon, are acceptable, given the usually low budget level for these items in Indie films.  Independent moving shadows, like BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA, sped film creature movements, like JU-ON: THE GRUDGE, and bat-wings like JEEPERS CREEPERS, all combine to give credence to the creature.

I enjoyed DEVIL’S WHISPER, and liked the non-commitment of Ripp not to side with one or the other interpretation until the end.  Some of the folks I saw the film with did not appreciate the ambiguity; but personally, I think it’s the only way the conclusion works.  If you like endings open to interpretation, and key dialogue set ups, I believe you will enjoy DEVIL’S WHISPER.